# Iran counter-influence legislation debate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iran-counter-influence-legislation-debate > Updated: 2026-10-20T07:33:49.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. The Iranian Parliament approved Article 17 of a new bill aimed at countering foreign influence. The legislation targets individuals acting under the guidance or support of foreign entities who provide misleading information regarding policy, security, or the economy. Penalties for such actions include imprisonment ranging from four to two years, or up to thirty years if the consequences are deemed irreparable. The Ministry of Intelligence and the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are tasked with providing evidence for these cases. Following the approval, debate emerged within the Iranian political sphere regarding the proposed “counter-influence plan.” Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, expressed opposition, noting that the government and academic institutions are against the measure. He warned that laws failing to align with social norms could lead to “societal polarization and division among officials and the public.” ## Timeline ### 2026-10-20: Iranian officials debate counter-influence legislation and security threats Iranian officials debate the controversial counter-influence plan and express concern over international threats and the need for adherence to the Geneva Convention. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iranian-officials-debate-counter-influence-legislation-and-security-threats ### 2026-09-27: Iran Parliament approves penalties for foreign influence The Iranian Parliament approved Article 17 of a foreign influence counter-plan, establishing prison sentences of up to 30 years for those providing misleading information under foreign guidance. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-parliament-approves-penalties-for-foreign-influence --- Cite as: Iran counter-influence legislation debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iran-counter-influence-legislation-debate